RAJIVGANDHIUNIVERSITY OF HEALTSCIENCES

BANGALORE, KARNATAKA

PROFORMA FOR REGISTRATION OF

SUBJECTS FOR DESSERTATION

1. / NAME OF THE CANDIDATE
AND ADDRESS / Ms.CHROSTINA B.C
1YEAR M.SC NURSING,
THE OXFORDCOLLEGE OF NURSING ,
1PHASE J.P.NAGAR,
BANGALORE-560078.
2. / NAME OF THE
INSTITUTION / THE OXFORDCOLLEGE OF NURSING,
1PHASE ,J.P.NAGAR,
BANGALORE-560078.
3. / COURSE OF STUDY AND
SUBJECT / DEGREE OF MASTER IN
NURSING.
COMMUNITYHEALTH NURSING.
4. / DATE OF ADMISSION TO
COURSE / 7TH JUNE 2007
5. / TITLE OF THE
TOPIC / “KNOWLEDGE REGARDING THE PREVENTION OF MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS AMONG MALE DEGREE STUDENTS”

6. BRIEF RESUME OF THE INTENDED WORK

INTRODUCTION

“Life is too short for traffic”

- Dan Bellack.

Life is the beautiful gift of god, the quality of which has to be maintained. Quality of life is a composite measure of physical, mental and social well being as perceived by each individual or by group of individuals-that is to say happiness, satisfaction and gratification which is experienced in life. But it is often wasted due to the carelessness of man1. Human beings have defeated the forces of nature to protect their lives, have mastered the art of survival against all odds. The preciousness of life is understood best when encountered with a near death situation2.

According to WHO, “Accident is an event, independent of human will, caused byan outside force acting rapidly and resulting in bodily or mental injury. The occurrence of injury is unintended”3. Accidents represent a major epidemic of non communicabledisease in the present century. They are the part of the price pay for technologicalprogress. Accidents don’t just happen; they are caused1.

Accidents are complex phenomena of multiple causation. The etiological factors may be age, sex, education medical conditions, fatigue, psychological, lack of body protection, relating to road, relating to vehicle, bad weather and mixed traffic. Accidents rank now fourth in order among the leading causes of death and areresponsible for approximately 8% of all deaths in the world, 7.9% in the developing countries and 7.5% in the developed countries.A large proportion of vehicle involved in motor vehicle accidents were 2 wheelers as they are sustainable and provide little protection for the riders. Motor vehicle accident is the third leading cause of death among people between the ages of 15-29 years in the year20001.

According to WHO, everyday as many as 14,000 people are injured on theworld’s road; more than 3,000 die and 15,000 are disabled for life. In 2000, global rate of deaths from motor vehicle accidents was 19 per 1,00,000 people. The rate was 27.6 per 1, 00,000 males; 10.4 per 1, 00,000 females. Adults aged 15-44 years account for more than 50% of motor vehicle deaths. In 2002, as estimated 1.18 million people world wide died as a result of motor vehicle accidents. During 1990s motor vehicle accidents ranked ninth among the leading cause of death in the world. It is projected to become second leading cause of death by the year 20204.

India motor vehicle population is just 1% of the worlds, but the share of world motor vehicle accident is 6%. In India, during 2001 the death rate due to motor vehicle accident was 80,262, during 2002 it was 84,059 and in 2003 it was 84,4301.

Bangalore the capital of Karnataka state, ranks fifth in population in the countries urban agglomeration. Motor vehicle accidents have exhibited an unprecedented increase from about 2000 in the year1975 to more than 9000 in the year 2000. The high proportion of 2 wheeler automobiles has caused congestion on city road and has created a hazardous situation on Bangaloreroads5. In Bangalore during the year 2005, death rates from motor vehicle accident was7578, during 2006 its 7561. Most of accidents are caused by car and two wheelers. In the year 2006 death rate due to motor vehicle accidents was 288 among males and 43 among females and is more in the age group of 18-30 years6.

6.1 NEED FOR THE STUDY

Rapid urbanization and advancing technology have lead to an increased numbers ofaccidents. Human errors, even minor ones can cause serious accidents on the road. Simple driving errors are often responsible for deaths, disabilities and loss of property. Defects in design, construction and maintenance of roads, sides of roads, dividers etc also lead to accidents. The reasons why human errors in some form or other can cause major road mishaps are quite simple. While on the move, a driver gets little time, may be a split second to adjust his driving to the deficiencies or changes in road , vehicle ortraffic.

Too often motor vehicle accidents are treated as transportation issue, as a result many countries put far less effort into understanding motor vehicle accidents that they do understanding the causes that do less harm. A lot many people especially youngsters drink and drive even when they know it is dangerous. Parents are also responsible for this trend. They encourage teenagers to share a drink with them and most of the parents don’t find anything wrong in it. Our life style, lax laws, cultural and social customs contribute to the widely prevalent habit of drinking and driving4.

Studies done by WHO shows that motor vehicle accidents accounts for 2.5% of total deaths. India has one of the highest motor vehicle accident rates in the world and isdefinitely on the increase. Recent statisticsshow that around 70,000 people died on the road and 4 lacks were injured in a year1.

KumarGA (2006) conducted a study to describe pattern of motor vehicle accidents in a vulnerable population -pedestrians and users of motorized 2 two wheeled vehicles in Hyderabad, India. The result found that about 1513 pedestrian and motorized two wheeled vehicle users were involved in motor vehicle accident last one year. In these crashes the person involved was an motorized 2 wheeled vehicle user in 1264, aged 21-40 years in 973 and male in 1202.They found that these findings on how motor vehicle accidents are caused, their type and outcomes on pedestrian and motorized two wheeled vehicle users can assist in identifying interventions to pedestrian and motorized two wheeled vehicle riders to improve road safety for this vulnerable population in India7.

In Bangalore, the occurrence of motor vehicle accidents is more in madivala.In the year 2004, there were about 727 accidents, in the year 2005 its 668, in the year 2006 its 469, and in the year 2007 its about 370 motor vehicle accidents till the month of August6.According to the study conducted by the Bangalore based National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Science during 2000-2001, nearly 60% of hospital registered brain injuries were due to motor vehicle accidents. About 58 % were males aged 16 above 90% had consumed alcohol three hours prior to injury. The highest number of those involved in road accidents and brain injuries were between 20 and 30 years old4.

Based on these literature and statistical values researcher felt that assessing the knowledge regarding prevention of motor vehicle accidents is important to reduce motor vehicle accidents. So the study is designed to determine the knowledge regarding motor vehicle accidents among male degree college students.

6.2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

6.2.1 Studies related to Motor Vehicle Accidents

6.2.2 Studies related to knowledge of degree college students

regarding Motor Vehicle Accidents

6.2.3Studies related to Informational Booklet

6.2.1 Studies related to Motor Vehicle Accidents

Vaez M (2005) conducted a study on impaired driving and motor vehicle crashesamong Swedish youth. And its relation with sociodemographic variables. The result of the study found that impaired driving significantly increases the odds of severe and fatal injuries, regardless of sociodemographic attributes like age, sex, class of origin and educational attainment. It revealed that there is excess risk among males; persons aged 18-19 years, those with low educational status and members of some group of people8.

Chang SH (2003) conducted a study on 4,729 junior college students in Taiwan to determine risk factors for increased severity of motorcycle injuries. The result of the study found that a total of 1,889 motorcycle crashes involving 1,284 persons occurred over a 20-month period from November 1994 to June 1996. There were 1,339 no injuries, 474 mild injuries, and 76 severe injuries. Findings revealed that at the time of motorcycle crashes, factors such as being on rural roads, collisions with a heavier object, some motorcycle makes, darkness, and greater speeds increased the severity of motorcycle injuries among these young adult riders9.

Lin MR (2001) conducted a study to examine crash severity and injury patterns between helmeted and unhelmeted adolescent motor cycle riders. The result found that the incidence rates of crash, injury, hospitalization and deaths per 1000 person years in the cohort were 358,104,14,1.3 respectively. Findings found that crashes involving unhelmeted riders were not more severe but more frequently involved face and head injuries than crashes involving helmeted riders10.

Tavaris DR (2001) conducted a study to evaluate the interaction of gender, age, type of crash, and occupant role in motor vehicle crash injuries leading to hospitalization. The result of the study found that the male and female ratio varied by type of crash and differed for passengers and drivers. For drivers in loss of control crashes, male rates exceeded female rates in all age groups, with peaks in the groups 15-24 and 85-89. For passengers, injury rates from collisions with other motor vehicles were greater for females, especially in the elderly, and injury rates from loss of control crashes were similar for both genders, with peaks at 15-24 and 85-9411.

Ganveer Gunjan B (2000) conducted a study to assess the pattern of injuries among non fatal cases of motor vehicle accidents. Major findings revealed that 85.8% of people met with an accident were males and majority if victims (75%) were in the age group of 18-37 years. Two wheelers were the common vehicle involved in accidents. Findings showed that the fractures are the commonest injury among the victims of non fatal motor vehicle accidents12.

6.2.2Studies related to knowledge of degree college students regarding Motor Vehicle Accidents

Mc Cart AT (2006) reviewed research literatures to identify trends in drivers phone use and to determine the state of knowledge about the consequences of such uses. The result found that drivers commonly use cell phones and that is increasing. Current studies on crash risk with the use of cell phone found that a fourfold increase in the risk of property damage only crash and the risk of injury crash associated with phone use, increased risk was same for males and females, younger and older drivers and hands free and hand held phones13.

Dandona R (2006) conducted a study on risky behaviors of drivers of motorized two wheeled vehicles in India. There were 4,183 motorized two wheeled vehicle drivers who participated in the study.461 drivers had not obtained a driving license and 798 drivers had obtained a license without taking the mandatory driving test.2920 drivers reported very occasional use of a helmet , the significant predictors of which included that those borrowed a motorized two wheeled vehicle, lower education, and males. These data suggest that the need to enact and enforce policy interventions for improving the mandatory use of helmet, effective traffic law enforcement and ensuring good vehicle condition to reduce the risk factors that potentially contribute to mortality and morbidity in motor vehicle accidents in motorized two wheeled vehicle riders in Indian cities14.

Adogu OU (2006) conducted a study to asses the knowledge and attitude of commercial motor cycle riders towards road traffic codes. The result showed that the all-male commercial motorcyclists had a mean age of 30+8.9 years. (32.6%) possessed good knowledge of road traffic codes and safety, while 35 (6.5%) exhibited good attitude towards them. Both knowledge and attitude towards traffic codes and safety improved with increase in educational level. The younger motorcyclists also possessed statistically significant better knowledge of traffic codes than their older people. Pursuit of knowledge through formal and informal education will improve the Nigerian economy in order to ensure a sustainable positive attitudinal change towards road traffic codes and safety among commercial motorcyclists15.

Patil SM (2006) conducted a study to examine the association between various personality-related characteristics and risky driving behaviors. Young adults in Michigan, USA were surveyed by telephone regarding several personality factors (risk-taking, hostility, aggression, tolerance of deviance, achievement expectations) and driving behaviors (competitive driving, risk-taking driving, high-risk driving, aggressive driving, and drink/driving. Result revealed that traffic safety policies and programs could be enhanced through recognition of the role personality factors play in driving behavior and the incorporation of this knowledge into the design and implementation of interventions that modify the behaviors associated with them16.

Hingson RW (2002) estimated the number of 18-24years old UnitedStates college students who annually experience alcohol related deaths, injuries and other health problems. The result found that over 1400 students aged 18-24 years died in alcohol related unintentional injuries including motor vehicle accidents. As evidenced by conclusion, there is an urgent need for expanding prevention and treatment programs, to reduce alcohol related harm among U.S college students and other young adults17.

6.2.3Studies related to Informational Booklet

Joshi HB (2001) conducted a study to report a scientific approach incorporating patient preferences towards the development of a patient-information booklet about ureteric stents. Result showed that of the 35 patients, 30 participated in the initial survey; 80% of patients reported dissatisfaction about the information they received. Patients wanted more information about the use, adverse events and effects of stents on daily life; 85% preferred all relevant information about the stents to be in a written format with illustrative drawings. As evidenced by conclusion booklet is expected to be an effective tool for patient communication that would help patients cope better with indwelling stents and be useful in counseling patients18.

Frost MH (2000) conducted a study to identify characteristics of print education materials that healthcare providers report as important to patients. The findings showed that appropriate reading level; clarity; credibility of the information; whether information is current/up-to-date; are the important characteristics of printed educational material. In developing print education materials for patients, the format, design, and placement of materials for patient access need to be considered19.

6.3 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

A study to assess the knowledge regarding theprevention of motor vehicle accidentsamong malestudents ofselected degree college, Bangalore with a view to develop an informational booklet.

6.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

  1. To assess the knowledge of malestudentsregarding theprevention of motor vehicle accidents.
  2. To find out association between the knowledge score with selected demographic variable.
  3. To prepare an informational booklet regarding the prevention of motor vehicle accidents.

6.5 ASSUMPTIONS

1. Degree students may have some knowledge regardingthe prevention of

motor vehicle accidents.

2. Degree students may have interest to know more about prevention of

motor vehicle accidents.

6.6 NULL HYPOTHESIS

There is no significant association between selected demographic

variables with knowledge score of male students.

6.7 VARIABLES

Independent variables: Selected demographic variables such as age, sex,

education, years of experience in riding motorized two wheeled vehicle.

Dependent variables:Knowledge of students regarding the prevention

of motor vehicle accidents.

6.8 OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS

6.8.1 KNOWLEDGE: refers to the correct responses from the students regarding the prevention of motor vehicle accidents elicited through structured knowledge questionnaire.

6.8.2 STUDENTS:refers to a male individual studying in degree level between the age group of 18-24years.

6.8.3PREVENTION: refers to measures to be taken to reduce motor vehicle accidents wearing helmets while riding, following traffic rules.

6.8.4 MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS: refers to an unstabilized situation with an occurrence of injury to an individual or damage to property.

6.8.5 INFORMATIONAL BOOKLET: refers to a structured educational material which contains instructions about the prevention of motor vehicle accidents.

6.9DELIMITATION

The study is delimited to students of selected degree college, Bangalore.

7. MATERIALS AND METHODS

7.1 SOURCE OF DATA

Data will be collected from students of selected degree college, Bangalore.

7.2 METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION

7.2.1 RESEARCH APPROACH

Descriptive survey approach will be adopted to conduct the study.

7.2.2 RESEARCH DESIGN

Descriptive design will be adopted to conduct the study.

7.2.3 RESEARCH SETTING

Study will be conducted in selected degree college,Bangalore.

7.2.4 POPULATION

The population of present study comprises of studentsstudying in selected degree college, Bangalore.

7.2.5 SAMPLING TECHNIQUE

Purposive Sampling Technique will be adopted.

7.2.6 SAMPLE SIZE

The sample size of the present study comprises of 60 male students of selected degree college.

7.2.7 SAMPLING CRITERIA

Inclusive criteria

1. Students who are willing to participate in the study.

2. Students who are available during the period of data collection.

3. Students who are using motorized two wheelers.

Exclusive criteria

1. Students who are sick during the period of data collection.

2. Students who do not know to ride motorized two wheelers.

7.2.8 DATA COLLECTION TOOL

Structured knowledge questionnaire will be used to collect the data. It consists of two parts.

Part I: items on demographic variables such as age, sex, education, year of experience in riding motorized two wheeled vehicle.

Part II: knowledge items related to prevention of motor vehicle accidents.

7.2.9DATA ANALYSIS METHOD

Data analysis will be through descriptive and inferential statistics.

Descriptive statistics

Mean, Median, percentage and standard deviation will be used to explain demographic variables.

Inferential statistics

Chi-square test will be used to find out the association between the knowledge score with selected demographic variables.

7.3 DOES THE STUDY REQUIRE ANY INTERVENTION

ON PATIENTS OR ANIMALS OR OTHER HUMANS?

NO

7.4 HAS ETHICAL CLEARANCE BEEN OBTAINED

FROM YOUR INSTITUTION?

1. Permission will be obtained from the research committee of Oxford

College of nursing.

2. Permission will be obtained from the higher authority of selected